Food Packaging Design Engineer

Food Packaging Design Engineer

Location:

On-site in the DeKalb, IL Area

Position Brief:

The Chatham Group Advanced Materials and Technologies Recruiting Team is seeking highly qualified candidates for a Food Packaging Design Engineer for a client in the specialty packaging technology industry. This is a mid‑junior level position that requires hands‑on experience with rigid thermoformed packaging design concepts, sustainable food‑grade packaging technology, and manufacturing methods. You will work closely with the manufacturing engineering and quality assurance teams to deliver compliant and production‑ready packaging solutions for new and existing products.

• Design food device packaging systems from initial concept through testing and production using CAD programs, particularly Solid Works.
• Use CAD programs to develop 3‑D models and assemblies as well as 2‑D drawings for specification.
• Evaluate various polymeric materials such as PET, HIPS, PVC, etc. for performance properties like wall thickness, strength, rigidity, and more.
• Create prototype products using new or existing tooling, and/or 3‑D printing technologies, and conduct feasibility reviews for functional integrity, stackability, etc.
• Lead the IQ/OQ/PQ product validation process and comply with ISO manufacturing quality standards.

• BS in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, or Mechanical Engineering.
• 4‑5 years of experience in packaging design with ideally around 2 years in medical device packaging.
• High proficiency with CAD programs, particularly Solid Works.
• Working knowledge of thin‑gauge thermoformed packing design.
• Understanding of product lifecycle and circularity in packaging design.
• Ability to conduct market research and potentially attend trade shows.

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and relocation may be provided to qualified candidates.

Associate

Full‑time

Design, Engineering, and Quality Assurance

Packaging and Containers Manufacturing